Latest news with #Nami
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The Verdict Movie Review: When manipulation meets its match
: A woman acquitted of murder orchestrates an elaborate trap to expose her husband's deadly schemes, using his own deceptions against best chess matches happen when both players think they're winning, and The Verdict serves up exactly that kind of strategic showdown wrapped in courtroom proceedings. Director Krishna Shankar's thriller, set entirely in the US and half in English, starts as a conventional murder trial before revealing itself as something more cunning – a battle of wits where the real game begins after the gavel film opens with Namrutha aka Nami (Sruthi Hariharan) facing trial for the murder of wealthy Miss Eliza Sherman (Suhasini Maniratnam) in an American courthouse. These early courtroom scenes, following US procedural conventions with jury deliberations and cross-examinations, feel distinctly theatrical. The dialogue sounds more like position statements than actual conversation, coming across as stiff portraits rather than living drama. Maya Kannappa (Varalaxmi Sarathkumar), Nami's formidable attorney, works through these proceedings with visible competence, though even her presence can't entirely mask the procedural dryness that makes you check your the real movie emerges post-acquittal. Nami reveals herself as more than just a defendant – she's a strategist who suspects her nurse husband Varun (Prakash Mohandas) orchestrated Eliza's death for inheritance money. Through flashbacks, we see Eliza's genuine bond with Nami, making her murder more personal and calculated. Suhasini Maniratnam brings gravitas to these glimpses, creating a fully-realized character despite limited screen time. Even Raphael, Eliza's long-time caretaker, becomes a pawn in this game, manipulated by Varun to provide false testimony that nearly seals Nami's transforms the film is the alliance between three women against one manipulative man. When Pragya, Varun's pregnant colleague, realizes his true nature after he casually suggests abortion as a first response to her news, she becomes the third player in this game. The dynamics shift as Nami, Maya, and Pragya orchestrate an elaborate trap using the early COVID pandemic as cover. It's here that the initially plastic characterizations start to make sense – these people were always performing for each other, hiding their true intentions behind carefully constructed film's strength lies in how it treats manipulation as a double-edged sword. Varun believes he's the puppet master, but the women around him have been pulling different strings all along. Using his arrogance against him, they create a scenario where his need to boast becomes his undoing. The recording scene where Varun confesses his crimes to Maya, believing her to be another conquest, is particularly well-executed – a predator caught by his own Sarathkumar commands every scene as Maya, bringing both legal authority and street-smart cunning to her role. She's the film's anchor, making even the stiff courtroom sequences watchable through sheer presence. Sruthi Hariharan impressively navigates Nami's transformation from victim to victor, while Prakash Mohandas delivers a compelling performance that truly comes alive in the second half. The supporting cast are Shankar shows promise in handling the thriller elements, particularly in the second half where psychological warfare replaces legal procedures. The screenplay excels at revealing character through action rather than exposition – watch how each person reacts when cornered, and you'll understand who they really are. The film cleverly positions its reveals to maximize impact, letting us discover alongside the characters that trust is the most dangerous game of all. After all, Varun himself is the real infection that needs Verdict works best when it abandons the courtroom for the messier arena of human duplicity, where justice wears a different face entirely. It's a reminder that sometimes the best verdict isn't delivered by a jury but orchestrated by those who refuse to remain Subramanian
Time Out
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Join Luffy and crew at the new One Piece pop-up café in Singapore this June
Adventure awaits at the One Piece pop-up at Aniplus café, where Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates are ready to welcome you. The popular anime series comes to life in this fully decked-out space, filled with character standees, plushies, and iconic 'Wanted' posters. Snap some photos at the mini photo wall and strike a pose next to your favourite character's standee before tucking into themed food prepared by the café. The menu includes items such as Luffy's Straw Hat Crew Meal, a hearty rice plate with chicken, sausage, curly fries and rice shaped like his iconic hat. There's also Franky's Monster Burger, a juicy beef cheeseburger. Sweet tooths can go for Chopper's Sweets Lover, a rainbow cake topped with a Chopper-shaped icing cookie, or Nami's Tangerine Pancakes. Drinks are named after the crew too – Zoro is an apple green tea mocktail, Sanji is a lemonade, and Brook is an earl grey tea. Spend at least $15 on food to receive a special set of premiums, including a coaster and postcard. Fans can also shop a range of exclusive merchandise, from umbrellas and tote bags to T-shirts, cups and stationery. Spend $30 or more on merchandise and you'll walk away with a free holographic can badge.
Mid East Info
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Mid East Info
The Little Things Celebrates 10 Years of Unforgettable Presence at Middle East Film and Comic Con 2025 - Middle East Business News and Information
The Little Things is the official Cosplay Parade Sponsor at MEFCC 2025 adding energy and vibrancy to the iconic event. The Little Things is planning a massive surprise that will make history this year at MEFCC 2025 Abu Dhabi, UAE, 9thApril 2025: The Little Things, a leading pop culture retail store in the Middle East, is excited to celebrate its 10th year of participation at Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) 2025 —the largest pop culture festival in the region! The event brings together pop culture fans for a fun-filled weekend celebrating movies, tv, anime, comics, cosplay, art and gaming in the UAE bringing together different fandoms, artists, cosplayers, gamers, and collectors for three special days in Abu Dhabi. Known for offering the best in collectibles, anime and gaming, The Little Things is all set to make its mark once again at the MEFCC 2025 from April 18-20 at ADNEC Centre. The Middle East Film and Comic Con is an excellent opportunity for The Little Things to reinforce their commitment to community building. Over the years, The Little Things has cultivated a strong connection with fans and pop-culture enthusiasts, creating a space where they can engage with and celebrate the things they love. To mark the 10th year at MEFCC, The Little Things is bringing BIG collaborations, exciting collections and exclusives from global favorites like Friends, POP MART, Bandai Namco and Good Smile Company. Visitors will be able to explore unique collectibles, including statues, action figures, toys, plushies, novelties, and more. Beyond the products, MEFCC attendees will also have the chance to meet their favorite stars, including Emily Rudd (Nami from One Piece), Hideo Ishikawa (Itachi from Naruto), and Daiki Yamashita (Izuku Midoriya from My Hero Academia), adding to the sense of community that makes The Little Things' presence at MEFCC so special. The Little Things is excited to continue a beloved tradition at MEFCC by hosting the Cosplay Parade for the second year in a row! The parade will kick off at The Little Things booth, where fans will bring their favorite characters to life in a dynamic celebration. With lively anime and pop culture music, the parade will energize the crowd as it winds through the venue. Attendees will receive flaglets and banners to join the fun, and the parade will return to The Little Things booth for a mini party to wrap up the festivities. Stay tuned for details on how to be part of this epic parade! Commenting on the event, Hassan Tamimi, CEO of The Little Things, said, 'We are thrilled to return to Middle East Film and Comic Con 2025 for the tenth year, bringing an even bigger and more exciting experience for anime enthusiasts and pop culture fans. Our participation goes beyond launching exclusive collectibles and driving sales—we are dedicated to creating a fun, inclusive, and safe space where fans can fully embrace their love for anime, gaming, and pop culture. As the official Cosplay Parade Sponsor, we take pride in celebrating the creativity and passion of the cosplay community, adding energy and vibrancy to this iconic event. We're gearing up to make this year unforgettable — so get ready for massive surprises that will make history at MEFCC 2025!' Reflecting on last year's success, The Little Things thrilled fans with surprise giveaways and exclusive releases like the One Piece Funko Pop! Shanks and Figurama Collectors' Plawres Sanshiro statue, and high-energy performances, including flash mobs featuring pop culture, hip-hop, and K-pop. This year, we are building on that momentum with even bigger surprises, including photobooths, cosplay workshops, and more. Get ready for a weekend packed with excitement! Don't miss out on this unforgettable weekend of anime, gaming, and pop culture—join The Little Things at MEFCC 2025 for an experience like no other. Get ready to dive into an action-packed event, packed with surprises, exclusive collectibles, and more. See you at The Little Things booth! About The Little Things: The Little Things stands as a vibrant cornerstone of pop-culture retail in the UAE and the Middle East. The store offers a unique selection of pop-culture merchandise that celebrates nostalgia and imagination. Staying true to its mantra, 'Unlock Worlds You've Never Seen,' The Little Things brings childhood fantasies to life, rekindling cherished memories for fans and collectors alike. With a reputation for exclusivity and variety, The Little Things ensures every customer finds something special to ignite their passion. Its deep connection with the community extends beyond products, hosting events, fostering creativity, and collaborating with local talents. Whether you're searching for rare finds or seeking to connect with fellow enthusiasts, The Little Things transforms shopping into an immersive journey of wonder and discovery. Website: Instagram: thelittlethingsme/ Facebook: thelittlethingsmee Tiktok: @thelittlethingsme
